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1991 Ford Ranger problems

The most common problem on the 1991 Ford Ranger is electrical system. It has fewer complaints than a typical Ranger model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Owner complaints
132
Recalls
2
Service bulletins
55
Worst area
Electrical
Fuel economy
16-23mpg

The worst 1991 Ford Ranger problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

Specific symptoms reported on the 1991 Ford Ranger

Fire or smoke 14Tire blowout 6

Recalls 2

Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: hydraulicReported February 5, 1996 · 108,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
The studs which attach the brake master cylinder to the power brake vacuum booster assembly can develop stress corrosion cracking after being operated for an extended period of time in the southern california location.
Risk
If a crack occurs, it could result in one or both studs fracturing. The master cylinder could then separate from the vacuum booster, when the brakes are applied, preventing the service brakes from activating increasing the risk of a vehicle accident.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the power brake vacuum booster assembly.

Recall number 96V024001 · Recall details

Power train: automatic transmissionReported November 4, 1991 · 792,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
When the automatic transmission shift lever is placed in the park position, the park pawl does not always abut or engage the park gear.
Risk
Driver may believe the vehicle is safely engaged in parkwhen the gear is not truly engaged. This can lead to the vehicle jumping out ofgear unintentionally, vehicle rollaway when parked on a sloped surface, andinadvertent motion when the vehicle is started. All of these conditions canresult in a vehicle accident.
Remedy
Repair the transmission with a new park pawl.

Recall number 91V189000 · Recall details

See all 2 recalls for the 1991 Ford Ranger

Defect investigations

Parking pawlOpened October 29, 1997, closed April 1, 1999

When the automatic shift lever is placed in the park position, the parking pawl does not always engage the park gear.this can lead to the vehicle jumping out of gear unintentionally and cause the vehicle to start rolling inadvertently

RQ97015

Separation of master cylinderOpened June 19, 1995, closed April 2, 1996

Ford continues to sudy the problem attempting to determine why stud fractures are not frequently occurring in other parts of the country.likewise, odi continues gathering information to ascertain whether the recall scope should include other geographical areas.if evidence indicates the scope should be expanded, odi will reopen the investigation as warranted.

EA95018

Front seat track failureOpened October 23, 1992, closed February 26, 1993

There is no summary currently available

PE92084

Whl separation/torque lossOpened March 16, 1992, closed August 31, 1992

There is no summary currently available

PE92029

Technical service bulletins for the 1991 Ford Ranger 55

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 55 bulletins for the 1991 Ford Ranger

1991 Ford Ranger fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
2.3L 4‑cylRWD18-2122-2620-23
2.3L 4‑cyl4WD192321
3.0L 6‑cylRWD16-1721-2318-19
4.0L 6‑cylRWD15-1621-2217-18
2.9L 6‑cyl4WD15-162017-18
4.0L 6‑cyl4WD1519-2016-17

What 1991 Ford Ranger owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jul 23, 2012 · Electrical, Engine · 150,000 miles · NM · fire

Tl* the contact owned a 1991 ford ranger. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked when it caught on fire. The fire department was notified and no injuries were reported at the scene. The vehicle was destroyed. The dealer was not notified. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure and current mileages were 150,000. Updated 8/23/12

Filed Jun 14, 2011 · Suspension · 65,000 miles · TN

Tl* the contact owns a 1991 ford ranger. The contact noticed that the front passenger side of the vehicle had dropped approximately five inches from the regular position and the front fender was covering the top of the front passenger side tire. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer for diagnostics. An independent mechanic inspected the vehicle and noticed that the passenger side coil spring mount was corroded and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that a local auto shop was contacted and advised that the part was no longer available. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 65,000.

Filed May 9, 2011 · Fuel system · 100,000 miles · WI

Tl* the contact owns a 1991 ford ranger. The contact stated that the fuel tank strap became corroded and was partially fractured from the vehicle. The contact was concerned that it would cause the fuel tank to detach. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer who stated that the strap would need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact called the manufacturer who advised that there were no related recalls to the failure and provided no further assistance. The current mileage was approximately 142,800 and the failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Filed Mar 24, 2011 · Body · 100,000 miles · WV

The frame has horrible corrosion. All the spring hangers are were failing bad. I don't even think it can be welded because it is rusted from one end to another. Ford really messed this one up. And why do all the fuel gauges quit working?

Filed Nov 27, 2009 · Body · WA

Peeling factory paint primarily on top surfaces..I.e. Hood, cab roof, cowling. I have owned truck since 12/8/99 and has had problem since,it has lost nearly all paint on roof , hood has about 1/3 left. Primarily lifts/peels when washed or when left out in rain. Has had bits peel back at highway speeds. Mainly occurs though with washing. Have inquired with dealers to no avail. Was told by one that there was a recall but that the period for repair of condition had passed. I have not received nor heard anything from mfr regarding this issue whatsoever.

Filed May 27, 2009 · Engine · 100,000 miles · FL · fire

Tl*the contact owns a 1991 ford ranger. While driving 5 MPH with the defroster activated, the vehicle began to smoke. The contact pulled the vehicle over and noticed flames under the hood. The fire department was called and stated that there was a faulty wire under the hood that caused the fire. Prior to the failure, the clutch and power steering were repaired and the gas line was cleaned. The vehicle has not been taken to a dealer or mechanic. A police report was filed. The current and failure mileages were 100,000. Updated 062909 *bf updated 07/01/09

Filed Nov 2, 2004 · Suspension · 42,000 miles · OH

The consumer made contact with the manufacture for the front end suspension part that was discontinued.

Filed Oct 6, 2004 · Visibility · IA

Both mirrors folded up against the vehicle when driving. Driver's side was replaced three times, and the passenger's side twice. However, driver's side mirror malfunctioned again. *ak truck is in garage from 11-1 tomay 1. And I stikk only get1 year to 18 months per mirror. I realize the vehicle is 13 years old and redesigning the mirror is not anoption. However, ford motor corp surely could do something about the price! Retail is closre to $7500 per piece. I know redesigning is out of question, but for those of us that intend on keeping our vehicles, the company could reduce the price.

Filed Jul 15, 2004 · Body · MI

Consumer states that his motor mounts are rusting right out from the frame. He states he has never seen anything like it. He states he has not seen a recall for this problem, but he does not think this is normal.

Filed Jun 11, 2003 · Suspension · 58,212 miles · IN

Right front spring bracket rusted through allowing body to drop onto front tire, and I noticed there are a lot of complaints on this issue and was wanting to know is ford going to fix this problem or are we the public going to get stuck with this problem ?

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 1991 Ford Ranger before you buy

Compare the 1991 Ford Ranger

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Other model years

199019911992199319941995199619971998199920002001200220032004200520062007200820092010201120142016201720192020202120222023202420252026

Questions about the 1991 Ford Ranger

Is the 1991 Ford Ranger reliable?

Owners have filed 132 complaints about the 1991 Ford Ranger, fewer than a typical Ranger model year.

What is the most common problem with the 1991 Ford Ranger?

Electrical system, with 20 complaints. Next is suspension (17).

How many recalls does the 1991 Ford Ranger have?

2 recalls, covering service brakes, hydraulic and power train.

What year does the Ford Ranger have the most electrical problems?

The Ford Ranger model years with the most electrical complaints are 1992 (41 complaints), 2019 (41 complaints) and 1999 (39 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 1991 Ford Ranger get?

Official estimates for the 1991 Ford Ranger range from 16 to 23 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.3L 4-cyl, RWD) gets 18-21 city and 22-26 highway.

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